Former COD Student Turns Service Learning Project Into Career

Glenn Perricone begrudgingly embarked on a service learning project at College of DuPage and discovered a career.

As he started his second year at College of DuPage, Perricone enrolled in "Environmental Ethics," which required him to complete 15 hours of service learning. He was not looking forward to the experience.

"I was a very high-strung and stressed Political Science student and found such a commitment annoying," he said. "Nevertheless, a week or two later, I found myself walking through the volunteer fair looking at a plethora of amazing volunteer opportunities that the College had set up. I walked past a table without even gazing at it when a voice behind me called out, 'Glenn? Glenn Perricone, is that you?' It was Debbie Brooks, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County volunteer services coordinator and, coincidentally, a family friend. In less than two minutes, she convinced me to volunteer with the Forest Preserve at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, across the street from campus."

Perricone volunteered in animal care and performed such duties as preparing diets, feeding, cleaning and providing enrichment for the wildlife, which included hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, Sandhill cranes, songbirds, raccoons, mice, turtles, falcons and a bobcat. By the end of four weeks, he met the requirement of 15 hours and kept going, accumulating more than 40 hours by the end of the term.

The experience had such a profound effect on Perricone that he switched majors to pursue Biology. Steve Gustis, Manager of Career Services and former Service Learning Coordinator, said the Service Learning program combines volunteer service with academics, and the College has partnered with a wide variety of local and regional organizations to provide a connection between the classroom and the community.

"The Service Learning program gives students more perspectives on what they are learning in class," he said. "Some students explore an interest or passion while others choose something new. In Glenn's case, it provided a new career path to explore, and it's not an uncommon outcome for students in this program."

In addition to making lifelong friendships at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Perricone discovered a passion for birds and has become an avid birdwatcher. So far, he has traveled the eastern half of the United States and seen more than 300 species of birds

Perricone also joined the education team at Willowbrook Wildlife Center as a Raptor Interpreter, which allows him to share his enthusiasm and knowledge about birds through formal education programs with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. He visits schools across DuPage County and exhibits biofacts such as feathers, talons and skulls in addition to partnering with birds of prey, such as a Peregrine Falcon.

"Volunteering has become an irreplaceable aspect of my life," he said. "It is something I enjoy and look forward to every week because of the great satisfaction I receive from helping wildlife and teaching the public."

Perricone earned his associate's degree from College of DuPage and transferred to Elmhurst College, where this spring he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology. His goal is to become a naturalist.

"It is exciting for me to think that my educational journey has come full circle," he said. "Having great naturalists such as Ron Skleney and Jack MacRae inspire me to pursue my passion of birds and nature, and this never would have happened had I not participated in COD's Service Learning program. Soon, I will be an environmental educator or naturalist and will hopefully inspire future generations in the same way."

Click here to view a video about the work students are doing through the Service Learning program at College of DuPage.

For more information about COD's Service Learning program, visit cod.edu/about/career/service_learning or call Career Services at (630) 942-2230.